Irving Erlichman, age 96 years, of Wayland on Friday, November 8, 2019. The beloved husband of Phyllis (Gilman) Erlichman for 67 years. Loving father of Howard (TX), David (AZ) and Philip & Phyllis (TN). Adored grandfather of Jonathan & Katie of NH. Pre-deceased by his sister Ann Aborn and brother Richard Erlichman. Cherished uncle of Elinor Mannis and Leonard Erlichman and many great nieces and nephews.
Irving was born and raised in Boston. He served as a staff sergeant in Italy during WW2 as a B-24 crew chief with the 454th Heavy Bomber Group, 737rd Squadron. Then, after the war, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. Irving subsequently commenced a remarkable career at Polaroid Corporation. He received over 70 patents, some of which crucial to the development of the SX-70 Camera. His patent for a ground-breaking digital camera on October 22, 1979 was praised for its “features, capabilities, and sheer daring” and led an editor at “Modern Photography” magazine to speculate if “the name of Irving Erlichman [would] someday be as famous and well-known as Dr. Edwin Land.”
Irving was an Engineering Fellow at Polaroid. He was also honored with the same title by the Society of Photographers, Scientists and Engineers. After retiring from Polaroid in 1985, Irving continued to work as a consultant up until the final months of his life. He helped to develop Exergen Corporation’s product line and created a substantial amount of the company’s intellectual property. Irving was also an avid sailor, a member of the New England Sculptors Association, a co-founder of Arts Wayland, and an extremely talented painter and writer.
Services in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon on Tuesday, November 12 at 12:00pm.
Memorial observance at his late residence following the burial through 7:00 PM and continuing Wednesday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
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